The Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) imposes the requirement that all Americans acquire health insurance that qualifies as “minimum essential coverage” under the Act. Otherwise, taxpayers may have to make a shared responsibility payment to the IRS when they file their tax return in April. The ACA also allows for a tax credit known as the premium tax credit for taxpayers that purchase health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Known as the individual shared responsibility provision, it requires a taxpayer, his or her spouse, and their dependents to have health insurance minimum essential coverage for the entire reporting year. Most taxpayers already have qualifying health care coverage, and will simply report this fact on their return by checking a box.